Success in the job hunt comes to those who can show how their abilities can add value to the potential employer's business
WHEN asked during a job interview - "What are you good at?" or "What are your strengths?" - many candidates hesitate, pause, and think for a minute before responding. And often, they give vague answers that hardly shed any light on their skills or potential.
Success in the job hunt often comes to those who can define their abilities and skills in an appropriate context and communicate how they add value to the job they are applying for. The only way this can happen is by being fully aware of what you can offer in terms of competency and skills. When you appreciate that you have skills that will be sought after, you can put your knowledge to greater use.
Though you may think your paper qualifications and professional certifications are important, the employment market values your abilities, skills and competencies as much as, or more than, your qualifications. Employers are concerned particularly about how you can use your abilities, skills and competencies in the workplace to create value for their business.
If you are able to articulate your skills in practical ways, you will immediately have an advantage over other job candidates. You will also feel more confident at interviews to answer questions about how you can contribute to the employer's company.
More importantly, when you write your resumé, you will be more focused on how you fit into the job.
Identifying skills is a challenging task. Start by listing all your achievements to date. Add to this list, occasions when you have been complimented on your work. Reflect critically: What were the skills used to do the job well or to achieve results that you are truly proud of?
For example, if your final-year project at the university was recognised as an outstanding piece for its in-depth research, it clearly identifies your research abilities - which clearly demonstrates your thoroughness and ability to express ideas and concepts convincingly.
This then identifies your good command of the English language and vocabulary. The chain continues... the recruiter can infer that you must be good at written communication.
Skills are often classified into different types.